If My People Would Humble Themselves

"Yes, I’ll bring them all back to this place and let them live here in peace. They will be my people, I will be their God. I’ll make them of one mind and heart, always honoring me, so that they can live good and whole lives, they and their children after them. What’s more, I’ll make a covenant with them that will last forever, a covenant to stick with them no matter what, and work for their good. I’ll fill their hearts with a deep respect for me so they’ll not even think of turning away from me." -Jeremiah 32:37-40 The Message

I read a comic strip this morning that made me think for a minute about the phrase "God bless America". That phrase is embedded in our culture. One of those things that I never really gave much thought to. I understand the intent of the phrase is "MAY God bless America!" as in, 'there is a chance that he won't'. Which is a distinct possibility given our current course in history. However, grammatically it's a statement. "God bless America!" (Exclamation) Only Americans could be so bold as to TELL God to bless them. I think from now on, I'll say it this way, "Merciful God, would you please bless America?"  What Father when asked by his child would give him something hurtful? (Matthew 7:9-11) Our problem is our arrogance, pride, and forgetfulness. See, God wants to bless us. He only wants us to humble ourselves, remember what he has ALREADY DONE FOR US and ask. (Matthew 7:7-8).

Merciful God, would you please bless America?